Russian-backed rebels held elections in their self-proclaimed people's republics in eastern Ukraine, a move that the government in Kiev said poses a threat to the peace process.

Voting was scheduled to end at 8pm in Donetsk and at 10pm in most of Luhansk region. Both areas switched to Moscow time, one hour later than the rest of Ukraine, on October 26.

About 5.2 million people live in the conflict zones, according to the UN. Seven months of fighting has displaced about 1 million people from the area and claimed more than 4,000 lives, the UN says. The US and the European Union blame Russian President Vladimir Putin's government for instigating the conflict. Russia denies involvement.